Freshness tropical lemonade with lime, orange, ice cube and mint on black. Vertical format.
This list’s first half is “bartenders choice” cocktails. These are modern creations that have been created by top bartenders. Classics are both pre-Prohibition classics and modern creations that have received worldwide acclaim.
Rum’s versatility is its greatest asset. Rum is available in over 80 countries and comes in many different styles and proofs. There are many varieties, from light and mild white rums to full-bodied Navy-strength rums. This means there is a rum for everyone.
Across the Pacific
Meaghan Dorman was the bar director at Dear Irving in New York City. She also invented the drink that brings the tropics and Italy thanks to the addition of Averna Amaro. Mix two types of rum, lime juice and orgeat together in a shaker. The drink is then served with crushed ice and grated nutsmeat. This gives a transatlantic twist to tropical traditions.
Cable Car
Tony Abou-Ganim’s cocktail is sweet, tart, and lightly spicy. It is more of a Sidecar. This cocktail is made with spiced rum and orange curacao. It’s served in a glass with a cinnamon-sugar rim.
Rum Rangoon
Jim Meehan is a bar veteran who created this cocktail. He used Banks 5-Island Rum and Clement Creole Shrub liqueur, lime juice and sugar cane syrup to make a Caribbean-inspired drink.
Beachbum’s Own
The cocktail’s name indicates that it was created in New Orleans by Jeff Berry, a Tiki historian. The shaker contains two types of rum, Licor 43, orange, lemon, and pineapple juices as well as passion fruit puree. This cocktail is well worth making your own.
Hot Butter(nut) Rum
Rum is often associated with tropical themes, but this Sother Teague from Amor y Amargo drink proves that the spirit can be enjoyed in colder months. This is a variation on the Hot Buttered Rum. It calls for hot Earl Grey tea, aged rum, falernum and homemade butternut squash butter.
Undead Gentleman
This Tiki drink is from Martin Cate, of Smuggler’s Cove in San Francisco. It lies somewhere between the traditional tropical drinks Zombieland Jet Pilot. Mix two rums, grapefruit, lime juices, falernum and cinnamon syrup and strain into an absinthe-rinsed cup. Although the eight ingredients are more than most cocktails require, the result is well worth it.
High Horse
Shannon Tebay, who is currently the head of the American Bar in London created this drink while working at NYC’s Death & Co. It could be called a rum Manhattan. In a nod towards Colonial-era ingredients, the cocktail uses aged rum and brandy as well as cherry liqueur, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters, and sweet vermouth.
One Last Midnight
Dorman also created this cocktail. It consists of aged Venezuelan Rum, two Italian Vermouths, and a pinch of coffee-infused Salt. Finally, it is topped with a splash of Islay Scotch. It is a great nightcap, as its name suggests.
White Bat
Simon Ford, a bartender veteran, created this drink somewhere between a White Russian or a Rum & Coke. This deliciously sweet, guilty-pleasing drink is made with a mixture of Kahlua, rum, whole milk, and cola.
Island Oasis
Jena Ellenwood is a drinks educator and Jena’s key ingredient for this refreshing summery cocktail. Jena uses a homemade pineapple shrub to add acidity and spice.
